The health benefits of a vegetarian/vegan diet
Vegetarian diets (where no meat products are consumed, but dairy and eggs are allowed), and vegan diets (where no animal products are consumed at all) are a great way to promote overall health. Several studies have shown that those diets have many health benefits, and promote weight loss. An American research has also shown that an unnecessarily high intake of essential amino acids found in animal proteins is as bad as an excessive fat intake for the risk of “Western” degenerative diseases.
The 12 major health benefits of a vegetarian/vegan diet
- Lower risk of cancer
- Lower risk of obesity
- Lower risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Increased glucagon activity (promote natural body detoxification)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Increased fiber intake
- Treat type 2 diabetes effectively
- Lower blood cholesterol levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower risk of chronic diseases
- Anti ageing (extend life)
- Lower risk of kidney stone
However, vegetarian and vegan diets may pose greater risk of vitamin B12, zinc and vitamin D deficiency. To make sure that you get all the health benefits of those diets without lacking some other essential nutrients, you must ensure to get those nutrients by eating specific foods or by taking supplementation.